Blocked drains are a common issue faced by homeowners, and it’s important to be aware of the causes and how to address them. Blocked drains can be caused by a number of different factors, such as an accumulation of hair, soap, grease and other debris. If left unchecked, a blocked drain can lead to serious plumbing problems, including flooding and bad odours. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 issues that cause blocked drains and provide practical solutions that you can use to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
1. Hair Accumulation Hair is one of the most common causes of blocked drains. It can accumulate over time, gradually building up in the pipes and restricting the flow of water. To prevent this from happening, you should use a drain strainer to catch any hair before it enters the pipes. It’s also a good idea to use a chemical cleaner to remove any hair that has already built up in the pipes.
2. Soap Buildup Soap is another common cause of blocked drains. Soap can accumulate in the pipes, particularly if it is not thoroughly rinsed away. To prevent this from happening, you should use a chemical cleaner to dissolve any soap residue. You should also avoid using too much soap when washing dishes, as this can also lead to a build-up of residue.
3. Grease Accumulation Grease is another common cause of blocked drains. Grease can accumulate over time, gradually building up in the pipes and restricting the flow of water. To prevent this from happening, you should use a drain strainer to catch any grease before it enters the pipes. It’s also a good idea to use a chemical cleaner to remove any grease that has already built up in the pipes.
4. Tree Roots Tree roots can grow into pipes and block the flow of water. To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that all pipes are properly sealed and that any exposed pipes are protected from tree roots. If tree roots have already grown into the pipes, it’s best to seek professional help in order to remove them.
5. Foreign Objects Foreign objects, such as toys, can also cause blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that all pipes are properly sealed and that any exposed pipes are protected from foreign objects. If foreign objects have already entered the pipes, it’s best to seek professional help in order to remove them.
6. Flushing the Wrong Things Flushing the wrong things, such as diapers, sanitary products, paper towels and other non-biodegradable items, can cause blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, you should only flush toilet paper and human waste. If you have already flushed the wrong things, it’s best to seek professional help in order to remove them.
7. Buildup of Detergents The buildup of detergents, such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquid, can also lead to blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, you should use only small amounts of detergents and rinse them off thoroughly before disposing of them.
8. Debris Accumulation Debris, such as leaves and dirt, can also cause blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that all pipes are properly sealed and that any exposed pipes are protected from debris. If debris has already entered the pipes, it’s best to seek professional help in order to remove them.
9. Improper Installation Improper installation of pipes can also lead to blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, all pipes should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unsure about how to install pipes, it’s best to seek professional help.
10. Corrosion Corrosion of pipes can also lead to blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to check your pipes regularly for signs of corrosion and replace any damaged pipes as soon as possible.
So now that we’ve discussed the top 10 issues that cause blocked drains, let’s look at some practical solutions that you can use to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
1. Regularly Clean Your Drains One of the best ways to prevent blocked drains is to clean them regularly. This can be done by using a drain cleaner, or by using a plunger to dislodge any debris that has become stuck in the pipes.
2. Install Drain Strainers Installing drain strainers is another effective way to prevent blocked drains. Drain strainers will catch any hair, soap and grease before it enters the pipes, thus preventing it from accumulating and causing a blockage.
3. Check for Leaks Checking for leaks is also important, as leaking pipes can cause water to accumulate in the pipes, leading to a blockage. If you notice any leaks, you should contact a plumber to have them fixed as soon as possible.
4. Avoid Flushing the Wrong Things As we discussed earlier, flushing the wrong things can cause blocked drains. To prevent this from happening, you should only flush toilet paper and human waste.
5. Use Chemical Cleaners Chemical cleaners can be used to dissolve any soap, grease and hair that has already built up in the pipes. This will help to prevent a blockage from forming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blocked drains can be a major headache for homeowners, but with the right approach, they can easily be prevented. By being aware of the top 10 issues that cause blocked drains and taking the steps outlined above, you can say goodbye to blocked drains and enjoy a plumbing system that works as it should.
